Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an appropriation in support of an educational campaign for the general public on the Columbus districts.
In December 2021, Columbus City Council selected the first Official Council District Map. This map created city-wide representation for all residents by creating geographic diversity in where councilmembers reside. This November, residents will head to the polls and vote for the districts for the first time. It is imperative that residents be educated on how to use this new system and how it will affect them and their families. Funding will be utilized to engage various media outlets to disseminate district information via print, radio, online media, and/or television.
Fiscal impact: Funding is available within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund.
Emergency action is requested in order to avoid any delay in ensuring that residents are properly informed regarding the new districts.
Title
To authorize an appropriation within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund in support of an educational campaign for the general public on the Columbus districts; and to declare an emergency. ($15,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, in 2018, voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to add two additional seats to Council and create nine residential districts; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, Columbus City Council adopted the first Official Council District Map; and
WHEREAS, this is the first time there has been a structural change to the make-up of Columbus City Council; and
WHEREAS, this change will increase city-wide representation for all residents by creating geographic diversity among elected Councilmembers; and
WHEREAS, ensuring that residents are properly educated on what these new districts mean for them and their community is of the utmost importance; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the city in that it is immediately necessary to authorize an appropriation in order to avoid any delay in ensuring that residents are sufficiently informed regarding the new districts; NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $15,000.00 within the Neighborhood Initiatives subfund; fund 1000, subfund 100018, in Services-03 per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared an emergency measure and shall take effect and be enforced from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.